The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes—dramatic mountain ranges, steep slopes, towering peaks, and winding valleys shaped by its rugged terrain. However, this striking topography also brings significant challenges. The region's loose soil, combined with heavy rainfall and frequent seismic activity, makes the region vulnerable to landslides.

These natural hazards pose risks not only to infrastructure and livelihoods but also to the safety and resilience of the communities that call the highlands home.

Once overwhelmed by disasters, LGUs across the Philippines are now emerging as champions of innovation, thanks to science-backed tools, capacity building, and community-driven technologies that are transforming preparedness into resilience.

“Nandyan din yung banta ng bagyo at ulan, at nakita din natin yung kahalagahan ng gabay sa ating mga kababayan. Una, sa impormasyon na p’wede kong ibigay sa kanila. Yung science-based information. Pangalawa, yung teknolohiya para mabigyan sila sa posibleng solusyon sa hinaharap nilang problema, at s’yempre, yung training o kasanayan na kailangan ibigay natin,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr during the 2025 HANDA Pilipinas press conference in Baguio City.

(There’s also the threat of storms and rain, and we’ve seen the importance of guidance for our fellow citizens. First, in the form of information the DOST can provide them — science-based information. Second, technology that can offer possible solutions to the problems they may face in the future. And of course, the training or skills that we need to provide them.)

Albert A. Mogul, Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense–CAR (OCD-CAR), highlighted the remarkable progress in disaster risk reduction in the region. He noted that in the wake of Typhoon Ompong in 2018, which tragically claimed 116 lives, the number of casualties from subsequent weather disturbances, including the Habagat and several typhoons, has significantly dropped to as few as five. This dramatic decrease underscored the effectiveness of science-based strategies, strengthened local capacities, and early warning systems in mitigating the impacts of natural disasters. The message is clear: science-based planning saves lives.

Central to this transformation is the DOST’s GeoRiskPH platform—a suite of geospatial tools enabling early warnings, hazard mapping, and risk-informed decision-making.

“Empowering local minds, capacitation of our people—because hindi lang sila recipient ng ayuda or di kaya ay pakiki-pagtilulungan sa kanila, imbes posible ang solusyon ay manggaling sa kanila,” underscores Sec. Solidum.

DILG-CAR Regional Director Anthony C. Nuyda emphasized the importance of local government units (LGUs) adopting evidence-based tools and innovations. He noted that without using the technologies developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), LGUs will not be fully prepared to tackle the challenges they encounter — particularly in disaster risk reduction. “Hindi po magiging prepared ang LGU if they are not using or even relying on all the science-based technologies na na-developed po ng DOST. So, DILG is in full support.”

According to Sec. Solidum, around 223 LGUs and thousands of DRRM representatives have been trained on the GeoRisk platform. These efforts have empowered communities to make informed, life-saving decisions during calamities such as Typhoon Ulysses and other seismic activities.

This shift was on full display during the HANDA Pilipinas event series, where LGUs interacted directly with technology developers, scientists, and fellow innovators. Beyond a traditional exhibit, HANDA Pilipinas is a launchpad for sustained engagement, showcasing scalable technologies, which supports the commercialization of disaster resilience tools such as the MCCOV (The Mobile Command and Control Vehicle) and localized flood sensors.

The result? LGUs like Baguio City are transitioning into smart, sustainable communities, supported by DOST’s modular development frameworks such as iSTART and CEST. These roadmaps provide flexible, data-informed pathways for local governments to evolve, regardless of size or geographic challenge.

“This HANDA Pilipinas is a game changer. May concrete accomplishments. Pag-alis po ng HANDA Pilipinas, tuloy-tuloy po yung engagements with the LGUs, tuloy-tuloy po ang deployment ng technologies, and as mentioned, bumababa ang ating casualties,” said DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho Maborrang.

Furthermore, Sec. Solidum underscores a fundamental motivation driving communities’ involvement, not external rewards or mandates, but their own survival and safety. He emphasizes that participation in preparedness efforts is not merely encouraged; it is imperative. “The real incentive for LGUs is their own safety. It’s a must for them to participate kasi incentive sa kanila yung preparedness nila,” he concluded.

Looking ahead, the DOST aims to scale its vision of attaining smart and sustainable cities, towns, and provinces nationwide, with over 90 pilot LGUs already making significant progress. As more local leaders embrace science and technology, the country moves closer to a future where every community is not just prepared for disaster, but resilient and future-ready.

The DOST aims to provide science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across the four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph. (By Abigael S. Omaña, DOST-STII)